Salihu Lukman, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Director General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), has stated that the coalition’s 2027 presidential candidate must emerge through a primary election victory.
Speaking on Channels TV on Tuesday, Lukman, who previously served as the National Vice Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), affirmed that the ADC plans to avoid past errors made by candidates like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi.
He urged supporters of all presidential aspirants to unite with the coalition to “rescue Nigeria,” warning that a divided opposition in 2027, fielding multiple candidates, would ensure victory for the APC and President Bola Tinubu.
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“As much as possible, we must keep the opposition together, and in keeping the opposition together, it’s not about asking anybody to step down.
“And I appeal to the Obidients and other groups, to really understand that the ADC and the coalition is the home for them. And they should come and let’s build ourselves together. If Peter Obi emerges as the presidential candidate of ADC, we will all support him and strengthen him to overcome the shortcomings of the past.
“Also, if it is Atiku Abubakar or any other that emerge for instance, we will support and strengthen him in such a way that he doesn’t repeat the mistake of former President (Muhammadu) Buhari.”
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Lukman stated that internal debates within the ADC and the coalition will ensure equity is properly addressed, aiming to present Nigerians with a new party that respects and accommodates the interests of every member.
However, he clarified that the coalition is not currently discussing any presidential candidates.
“Let me be very clear on this, there is no discussion about the question of presidential candidate in the coalition up to this moment. And our position is basically, and that is the first test of whether we’ll be different from the existing parties or not, that whoever will be the candidate of the ADC must win the primary.
“And the other test, which we are putting to all of them is that their ambition must go beyond their personal expectation. It has to factor the reality facing the country.
“They have to come ready to be able to make the needed sacrifice to move this country forward. As it is, we have to be very, very honest, where the country is, it’s not simply about presenting candidates.
“I always put forward to them that, look, as far as I’m concerned, it’s not a question of trusting leaders, you know. It’s not, I mean, leaders must earn their trust. So the best way leaders can earn trust is to be able to show humility that they are ready to subordinate themselves to the wishes of members of the party.”
He added that coming from APC, they had a situation where members trusted leaders who ended up becoming emperors. “Look at what is happening in APC. Everywhere you hear ‘On your mandate, on your mandate, on your mandate,’ I’m not going to stand on anybody’s mandate.
“We want the person to always subordinate himself to members of the party, always seeking to get clearance in terms of what they are doing. That is the kind of template that we are looking for. And I think as Nigerians, we must resist the temptation of setting up leaders in a way that they become very arrogant, believing that it is either them or nothing.”
Lukman emphasized that the ongoing negotiations within the coalition, while “very difficult,” are crucial for achieving their goal.
Despite the challenges, he expressed confidence that the party will successfully present a unified candidate at the conclusion of these discussions.
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